ABOLISHED 06/19/2014 PER PAY LETTER 14-09 - Nosologist Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established November 16, 1994

Scope

This series specification describes three classes involved in a wide range of health record processing functions. Incumbents index, abstract, code and review data from death certificates; interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations and terminology for death certificate coding; utilize codes and procedures for recording births, deaths, marriages, and marriage dissolutions; and code information for entry into an automated system.

Factors Affecting Position Allocation

Variety and complexity of assigned duties; independence of actions and decisions; knowledge of coding and health record systems; judgment necessary to evaluate technical abstracting and coding problems; nature and level of public�contacts; degree and level of supervision received; degree and level of�administrative and supervisory responsibilities; and consequence of error. Possession of Multiple Cause of Death Coding Certificate from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Definition of Levels

Nosologist Trainee

This is the trainee level for this series. Under close supervision and in accordance with established procedure, incumbents train on multiple cause of death coding decks from National Center for Health Statistics; and learn and perform increasingly difficult duties of a semitechnical nature in the Current Records Unit. Positions in this classification start off as not possessing the Multiple Cause of Death Coding Certificate, but must obtain it�to progress to the next higher class.

Nosologist

This is the journey level for this series for the more difficult technician work. Under general supervision and guidelines, incumbents interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, and terminology of death certificate coding; utilize the code and procedures involved in birth, death, marriage, and marriage dissolution, and code information for entry into an automated system. Incumbents index, abstract, code and review data from death certificates.

Nosologist Supervisor

This is the supervisory level for this series. Under general direction, incumbents supervise a small to moderate group composed of five to ten staff, at least three of which must be Nosologists; personally perform the most difficult coding where guidelines are not clear; resolve difficult technical coding problems; act as a consultant to records personnel in hospitals, coroners' offices and registries; conduct training; give lectures; and perform other related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Nosologist Trainee

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience performing clerical duties at a level of responsibility not less than that of an Office Assistant (Range A).

Or II

One year of clerical experience. [Academic education above the 12th grade may be substituted for one year of the required general experience on the basis of either: (a) one year of general education being equivalent to three months of experience; or (b) one year of education of a business or commercial nature being equivalent to six months of experience. Students who are enrolled into the last semester or its equivalent of course work which upon completion will fulfill these requirements will be admitted to the examination, but they must submit evidence of completion before they can be considered for appointment.] and

Either equivalent to completion of the 12th grade; or completion of a business school curriculum, or completion of a government clerical work experience training program, such as those offered through the Manpower Development and Training Act, Comprehensive Employment and Training Act, or the Job Training Partnership Act. (One year of clerical work experience may be substituted for the required education.)

Nosologist

Either I

In the California state service, six months of experience performing the duties of a Nosologist Trainee, which provides familiarity with vital record and death coding, indexing, and abstracting. Must have Multiple Cause of Death Coding Certificate from the National Center for Health Statistics before appointment at this level.

Or II

Two years of clerical experience in the medical or health records section of a�health facility. Must have Multiple Cause of Death Coding Certificate from the National Center for Health Statistics before appointment at this level. (Successful completion of an academic curriculum in medical records science in an accredited college may be substituted for one year of the required general experience.)

Nosologist Supervisor

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Nosologist Trainee or Nosologist, after receiving Multiple Cause of Death Coding Certificate from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Or II

Three years of increasingly responsible medical or health records experience, performing a variety of tasks including vital record and death coding, indexing, and abstracting. Must have Multiple Cause of Death Coding Certificate from the National Center for Health Statistics while performing these duties. (Successful completion of an academic curriculum in medical records science in an accredited college may be substituted for up to two years the required general experience.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Nosologist Trainee

Knowledge of: Modern office methods, equipment, and procedures.

Ability to: Perform clerical and technical work; follow directions; evaluate situations accurately and take effective action; learn to�interpret and use reference material; read and write at a level required for successful job performance; and meet and deal tactfully with the public.

Nosologist

Knowledge of: Basic medical and human anatomy terminology; and classification of morbidity and mortality information for statistical purposes.

Ability to: Follow instructions; independently interpret and�use reference material; accept increasing responsibility for accuracy and thoroughness in performance of duties; operate and utilize a typewriter, computer terminal and various office machines; learn, retain and apply laws, rules, codes and policies concerning the Current Records System.

Nosologist Supervisor

Knowledge of: All of the above and principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision; planning, organizing, and directing the work of others; administration of the labor agreements; the Department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; and a supervisor's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above and plan, organize, and direct the work of others; and effectively contribute to the Department's affirmative action objectives.

Class History